John Hodgman

November 6, 2005 | Erik Himmelsbach, Erik Himmelsbach is a writer and television producer. He is currently working on a book about the history of Los Angeles radio station KROQ-FM and the alternative-culture revolution.

IMAGINE the world before the Industrial Revolution. No Pilates, no Internet porn, no BlackBerries. Not even the cotton gin. (That didn't come until 1794.) Not much to do, right? Especially if you've already read your Bible and the type's so faded it's a bit hard on the eyes. If you're living in the British-ruled American Colonies in the mid-18th century, the answer is simple: You hang up your tricorn hat, light a candle and cozy up to Benjamin Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanack."

There are really two John Hodgmans. One is well known to viewers of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" as the "resident expert" who offers preposterously inaccurate assessments of such things as Alan Greenspan's retirement and Iran's atomic aspirations. He's even more widely familiar to those who have seen Apple Computer's recent spate of ads, in which he appears as the comically fusty PC, stealing the show from actor Justin Long's slacker-cool Mac.

There are really two John Hodgmans. One is well known to viewers of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" as the "resident expert" who offers preposterously inaccurate assessments of such things as Alan Greenspan's retirement and Iran's atomic aspirations. He's even more widely familiar to those who have seen Apple Computer's recent spate of ads, in which he appears as the comically fusty PC, stealing the show from actor Justin Long's slacker-cool Mac.

Booksellers still expect shoppers to turn to books for some of their holiday gift giving, despite the weak economy. But their purchases are likely to offer a bit of escapism -- with anticipated gains in cooking, entertainment and feel-good fiction. Anne Bartholomew, senior books editor at Amazon.com, said the holiday timing is great for new books such as "More Information Than You Require," by John Hodgman, known for his appearances in Apple Computer ads and Comedy Central; and "Dilbert 2.

SERIES Dancing With the Stars: Kristin Chenoweth performs in this new episode (8 p.m. ABC). Bored to Death: When he appears as a guest on "The New Dick Cavett Show," Jonathan (Jason Schwartzman) has an unexpected run-in with his nemesis (John Hodgman), while George (Ted Danson) is stunned by some unexpected news, and Ray (Zach Galifianakis) inadvertently sets off an Amber Alert in this new episode (9 p.m. HBO). Mike & Molly: When Molly (Melissa McCarthy) gets into a fight with her mother and sister (Swoosie Kurtz, Katy Mixon)

Bryan Cranston was the man of the hour at the Governors Ball after the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday. Early in the evening Jeff Daniels, who beat Cranston for the actor in a drama Emmy, left quietly down a back escalator. He had his Emmy in hand but no entourage in tow. Meanwhile, inside the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center, Cranston fielded dozens of fan requests. There were 3,800 guests inside the hall, which was decorated for the night's theme of "Enchanted Evening," but spotting Cranston was no difficult feat thanks to the cluster of people that always surrounded him. Emmys 2013 full coverage: Best & worst moments | Winners and top nominees | Red carpet video The "Breaking Bad" star has won an Emmy before for his performance as high school teacher turned drug kingpin, Walter White, but the show itself had never won for best drama series until Sunday.

November 6, 2005 | Erik Himmelsbach, Erik Himmelsbach is a writer and television producer. He is currently working on a book about the history of Los Angeles radio station KROQ-FM and the alternative-culture revolution.

IMAGINE the world before the Industrial Revolution. No Pilates, no Internet porn, no BlackBerries. Not even the cotton gin. (That didn't come until 1794.) Not much to do, right? Especially if you've already read your Bible and the type's so faded it's a bit hard on the eyes. If you're living in the British-ruled American Colonies in the mid-18th century, the answer is simple: You hang up your tricorn hat, light a candle and cozy up to Benjamin Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanack."